EDUCATIONAL DIRECTION
STATEMENT
The educational mission of the
Catholic Church finds its center in the life and teachings of Jesus
Christ. Through education, the Church
seeks to prepare her members to hear, live and proclaim the Gospel message.
St. Clement of
As a follower of Jesus, every
student is called to lead, practice Gospel values, especially love of God,
neighbor, and self, to accept difficulties with courage, and to give good
example. Students are encouraged to help
those in need and to respond to the wider global community. In doing so, the child fosters personal
worth, the growth of relationships and the establishment of the climate
necessary for effective learning.
The parish community shares
responsibility for providing Christian witness, resources, and leadership,
which support the educational mission.
Parents are called as first
educators of their children in faith and knowledge. Parents and teachers, in partnership, share
principles of the Gospel, promote authentic Christian engagement in the world,
and help to strengthen Catholic identity.
Our Catholic identity is most
fully realized as we respond to the four-fold components of effective
catechesis:
Proclaim the message:
We imitate Christ by living out the Gospel message in word and deed.
Foster community:
We nurture and support one another in an atmosphere of mutual concern
and respect.
Respond in service:
We recognize needs and reach out to others sharing our gifts and
talents.
United in worship: We gather to witness, to pray, to worship, and to grow closer to Jesus as we
celebrate our identity in word and sacrament.
HANDBOOK DISCLAIMER
This Parent and Student Handbook has been compiled in accordance with the guidelines of the Catholic Education Office, Archdiocese of Saint Louis. Its purpose is to provide a handy reference to the policies,
procedures, and practices of Saint Clement of
.
This Student/Parent
Handbook contains established policies and procedures for the 2008-2009 school
year. Since it is not possible for a
Handbook to address every situation that may arise during a school year, the
school administration reserves the right to amend or revoke the policies and
procedures in this Handbook at any time as circumstances may require. When changes are made to the Handbook,
parents and students will be informed of the change in writing in a timely
manner, and this will include a statement about when the change will take
effect.
While the Catholic school is like any other school, there is one essential difference; it draws its inspiration and its strength from the Gospel in which it is rooted.
The educational process is not simply a human activity; it is a genuine Christian journey toward perfection. Our goal is to guide our students on their journey. We can help them to be happy, functioning members of their family and their school community by setting a Christian example and setting reasonable limits.
The religious dimension of the school in partnership with families strengthens the formation process. Close cooperation with parents is extremely important for the goals of the school to be achieved.
Resource document:
The Religious Dimension of Education in a
Monsignor James Pieper Mrs. Jean Grana Mrs. Barbara Yoffie
Pastor Principal Coordinator of Religious Ed.
MASS/PRAYER SERVICES
Students will attend mass
one day a week by grade levels. All
school masses are scheduled twice each month.
Prayer services and special blessings may be celebrated on special feast
days or during liturgical seasons.
SERVERS
It is a privilege and an important part of
who we are as Catholics to participate in this ministry.
Any Catholic student in grades 7or 8 is eligible to become a
server. Servers are expected to serve
the Masses for which they are scheduled.
If they cannot make it, they should arrange for a substitute. Serving appointments are made by the
associate pastor who directs all aspects of this program. Please contact the rectory (965-0709)
regarding this program. Servers are
trained in the spring of sixth grade year or when a special request is made by
an individual.
Current Enrollment 329 Children
2008
– 2009 Faculty Data 19
Full Time Teachers
1
Part Time Teacher
1
Administrator
1
Part-time Assistant
1
CRE (Coordinator of Religious Education)
1
Technology Coordinator
1
Instructional Technology Specialist
1
Librarian
1
Full Time Resource Teacher
1
Part Time Resource Teacher
1
Spanish Teacher
1
Art, Music, and PE Teacher
1
Secretary
1 Full – Time
Nurse
A significant number of our staff has received advanced education degrees at the Master’s level. Several members of the faculty are currently working on graduate programs in education. Educational biographies are available at www.stclementschool.com. All religion teachers have updated Paul VI certification or are currently working toward
this certification.
ADMISSIONS
The principal, with proper consultation with the pastor and/or the board, will admit students to the school according to the norms set by the archdiocesan Board of Education and accepted educational procedure. Cooperation of parents with their church and school may be an important criterion in determining the acceptance for admission.
1. For admission, a family must show evidence of the following:
a. participation in the spiritual and social life of the parish
b. support of the concepts upheld in the Parent Witness Statement
c. assistance in the financial support of the parish
d.
agreement to follow the policies and procedures of St. Clement of
Archdiocese of
e. willingness to cooperate with the teachers and administration in the moral, psychological, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and academic development of their children
2. A student entering St. Clement of
3. The family must be registered in
St. Clement of Rome Parish. Parishioners
of other parishes must have written permission of their respective pastors
before approaching the principal at St. Clement of
4. Families who wish to register with St. Clement Parish must contact the pastor.
5. To aid in the implementation of the admissions policy, a list of priorities has been established:
a.
Registered, practicing* Catholics, with another child enrolled at St.
Clement of
b. Registered, practicing Catholics, living within the boundaries of the Parish
c. Registered, practicing Catholics, living outside the boundaries of the Parish
d. Registered, non-practicing Catholics
e. Non-registered, non-practicing Catholics
f. Non-Catholics
*A practicing Catholic is defined as:
· Faithful attendance at Sunday Mass
· Regular reception of the Sacraments
· Financial support of the Parish
The administration is responsible for the acceptance of new or transferring students. The longevity of parish family registration will override newer registrations. Space must remain available in grade levels for the children of new parishioners moving into the parish before accepting non-Catholics. Non-Catholics are expected to follow the religion curriculum.
A change of address of the parent or guardian should be reported promptly to the school office. A change of the emergency telephone number should also be reported as soon as possible. In addition to informing the school office, parents should update information on Fast Direct.
POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (4101) STATES:
All Catholic schools of
the St. Louis Archdiocese shall admit students of any race, color or national
and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally
accorded or made available to students at these schools.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
1. Registration
for a new school year will be held each year in the spring. All children must register each year. There is a yearly registration fee.
1.
New families
who are moving into the parish and wish to enroll their children into the
school must first register in the parish at the Rectory Office. Parents will then be directed to schedule an
appointment with the principal who will request to see the child’s birth
certificate, Baptismal record, report cards from his/her previous school(s),
and supply other pertinent information relative to the registration process.
2.
Registration
for Kindergarten: According to
Archdiocesan policy a child must be five (5) years of age before August 1. A pre-screening will be given in the spring
prior to kindergarten to all children who will attend St. Clement kindergarten
in the next school year.
3.
Primary one
students must be six (6) years of age before August 1.
4.
In order to
attend classes, all children entering Saint Clement School must have a complete
physical examination. A record of this
examination must be on file before the first day of school.
5.
In cases in which the parents of a
student are divorced, a current copy of the portion of the divorce decree
which verifies custody arrangements as they pertain to school must be
provided to the school office.
To provide a safe arrival and
dismissal, every family will receive a parking lot procedure direction
sheet. Please make sure all drivers are
made aware of this plan.
PLEASE BE PROMPT IN
PICKING UP CHILDREN AT DISMISSAL TIME.
THE SCHOOL IS
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN AFTER DISMISSAL UNLESS THE STUDENT IS STAYING AT THE
REQUEST OF A TEACHER.
SAFETY PATROL
Eighth
graders make up the safety patrol of the school, which is provided to ensure
the safety of all. It is imperative that parents and students
follow arrival and dismissal procedures.
It is necessary for all to comply with the directions of the Safety
Patrol and faculty.
·
Students must
be at their posts at
·
Teacher
supervisors will check to see that students are at their posts on time. A student who is repeatedly late will see it
reflected in his/her conduct grade.
·
Students are
responsible for getting their own subs if they are gong to be absent
·
All students
have received a copy of the patrol schedule for the year. Please put these dates on your calendar.
·
When the
temperature/wind chill is 20 degrees or below or during heavy rain or threatening
weather, we will not send patrol outside.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all classes and school activities (including but not limited to standardized testing, field day, camp, field trips, etc.) on days scheduled by St. Clement School as days of student instruction. A student who is not present at the appointed times is designated “absent.”
1. Teachers will keep daily records of attendance.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and complete any work that he/she missed during
their absence.
3. Parents of students with excessive absences will be contacted by the principal.
4. Parents are to notify the school office if students will be absent by phone, voicemail, note or e-mail.
If satisfactory progress is to be made by a student, regular
attendance at school is necessary. This
also means being on time each day. The
school day begins with student arrival at
ABSENCE (4201)
Students are considered absent whenever they are away
from school during school hours except for school sponsored or school
sanctioned co-curricular activities (e.g., field trips, enrichment, and
remedial programs, etc.) Students who must be excused for medical, dental,
funeral, or other reasons during school hours are considered absent. For these types of absences a written notice
should be sent to the school in advance by a parent/guardian stating the time,
length, and reasons for absence.
The note is to include:
DUAL ENROLLMENT (4204)
Dual enrollment is a method of providing courses and
programs to a student that the school itself cannot provide due to staffing
and/or finances.
Guidelines for applying the policy:
1. Dual enrollment is possible only in another accredited school.
2. The Catholic school is the primary educational provider. The other school is a supplemental provider.
3. The Catholic school is responsible for instructing the student in the core curriculum (religion, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies).
4. A student is not considered absent from the Catholic school when in attendance at the other school when the Catholic school is provided documentation from the other school.
5. In determining whether dual enrollment is a viable option for meeting a student’s educational needs, consideration should be given to the impact of the student’s absence to attend the supplemental program on the student’s learning the core curriculum in the Catholic school.
6. A written plan should be developed whenever a dual enrollment is established and placed in the student’s cumulative file. This plan should include specific information regarding:
a. the educational purpose the dual enrollment arrangement is intended to achieve
b. the amount of time the student will be away from the Catholic school
c. the mechanism by which the Catholic school will receive information from and provide information to the supplemental program, including attendance/absences
d. transportation to and from the Catholic school
HIGH SCHOOL VISITS
When 8th grade
students plan to visit prospective high schools, they should do so on school
holidays or on
Students shall not be released from school without the knowledge and consent of parents or guardians.
1. Parents are expected to inform their child and write a note to the teacher (with time of release and reason for release) any time that the child will need to be released from school during school hours.
2. Upon returning to school, it is the child’s responsibility to “sign in” at the school office and inform them that he/she has returned.
For the safety of the child, no student will be released from school without permission from the parent. In order to avoid unnecessary classroom interruptions, parents are expected to inform their children of carpool plans, appointments, etc., before they come to school.
A student is tardy who arrives after the time fixed by school policy for the start of the school day.
1. A student not present for 90 minutes of either morning or afternoon session will be marked ½ day absent.
2. Parents of students with excessive tardiness will be contacted by the principal.
It is the duty of the parents to see that their child attends school regularly and on time. LATE ARRIVALS ARE VERY DISRUPTIVE TO ALL THE STUDENTS OF THE CLASS AND TO THE SCHOOL ROUTINE. PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH EXCESSIVE ABSENCES OR TARDINESS WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE PRINCIPAL. A PLAN TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM WILL BE DISCUSSED. (Be aware that when application is being made to local Catholic high schools, they take into account a student’s number of days absent and the number of times tardy.)
VACATION POLICY
St. Clement School does
not give permission for students to take vacations during scheduled class
time. Parents are encouraged to schedule
family vacations during breaks with the school year.
Should parents elect to
take their child/ren out of school the responsibility for making up missed
assignments belongs to the student.
Students are encouraged to contact a reliable classmate for assignments. Teachers may specify the due date of missed
assignments (usually within two days after returning to school).
Great care is given to have our schedule conform to the recommended number of days. Lengthy absences can interfere with a child’s academic progress. Consideration should be given to any time a student is taken out of school by parents. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and make up any work that he/she has missed. Instructional planning is done on a weekly basis and long-range assignments are not available prior to a student’s absence. Most homework assignments are posted on our website (Grades 5-8).
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Saint Clement’s School Board acts in an advisory capacity to the pastor and principal. Our Board brings together the education and administrative talents of the principal, the spiritual leadership of the pastor, and the experience, knowledge and insights of the laity in a collegial effort to create for the children of our parish a truly Christian educational community. The main functions are:
a. establishing the philosophy and goals for the educational programs,
b. interpreting and applying the policies of the Archdiocesan Board of Education,
c. formulating the additional policies which may be necessary,
d. evaluating the implementation of the policies,
e. approving the budget to be recommended to the Parish Council and/ or the Pastor,
f. recommending to the Pastor the employment of the principal,
g. developing long-range planning and community relations.
h. designating /developing specific committees as the need arises
The Board meets regularly during the school year and all such meetings are open to interested parents and parishioners.
Although the School Board wishes to assist the parents and the school in every possible way, it is strongly recommended that any questions or concerns be brought to the attention of the teachers or principal before approaching the School Board. Items to be placed on the agenda at board meetings should be arranged two weeks in advance.
President: Mrs. Chris Danter
Secretary: Dr. Jo Ann Galakatos
Principal: Mrs. Jean Grana
Member: Dr. Pat Amato Kreienkamp
Member: Mrs. Chris Desloge
Member: Mrs. Jane McGowen
Member: Mr. Jeff Pitts
Member: Mrs. Barb Yoffie
H&S Member: Mrs. Kris Meiners
H&S Member: Mrs. Vicki Staed
H&S Member: Mrs. Pat Amuedo
CAFETERIA
A nutritional hot lunch
program is offered four days a week. On
days when the hot lunch program is not operational, the children are expected
to bring their own lunches, labeled with their names, which are to be eaten in
the cafeteria. Milk, ice cream and other
snack items will be sold. The lunch time
and
Playground/duty workers
supervise the cafeteria and playground from 11:
each school day. Children may not run a charge account in the
lunch room. Children are not permitted
to go home for
lunch. Table manners are required of
each student. Before leaving the table,
each child is required to clear the table and the immediate area of crumbs and
trash. All uneaten food should be placed
in the disposal containers provided. No
food is to be carried out of the lunch room to the playground and
restrooms. Children are required to
speak to each other in a moderate tone during their lunch period. They are also required to demonstrate
respectful behavior toward adult cafeteria supervisors.
STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO
HAVE SODA FOR LUNCH.
CHILD SAFETY
CHILD PROTECTION AND
REFORMATION ACT (RSM0210)
School personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional capacity may be an abused or neglected child must report to the Missouri Department of Family Services.
CHILD SAFETY PREVENTION
The Archdiocese of St. Louis recognizes the importance of creating a safe environment for children. In efforts to support Archdiocesan policy, St. Clement of Rome Parish has set as an expectation of registration that parents comply with Family Registry and Protecting God’s Children programs. In addition all parents are to read and sign a Code of Ethics statement.
CLASS INTERRUPTIONS
FORGOTTEN ITEMS/AVOID
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS
It is important to help each child become independently
responsible. The only forgotten items
that may be brought late to school are glasses, lunch or medicine. It should be the concern of parents that
neither the faculty nor the students be disturbed during school hours. Forgotten glasses and medicine should be
brought to the Health Room.
Lunches are placed on the table outside of the Health Room.
TELEPHONE USE
In the case of an
EMERGENCY, a message will be given to a child during the school day. Changes in after school plans, scouting or
athletic events do not constitute an emergency. Please do not ask us to
interrupt the classroom for such matters.
If you wish to contact a child’s teacher, please feel free to call the
office (822-1903) and leave a message for that teacher. Normally there will not be time during school
hours to return the call, but each teacher will attempt to return your call at
the earliest opportunity.
Students will be
permitted to use the office telephone in order to call home for necessary
medication, glasses, or a forgotten lunch.
Either of these items must be delivered to the school office. Lunches delivered after the start of school
are placed on the table outside the Health Room.
COMMUNICATIONS
It is our goal to create an atmosphere of open and honest communication. Your child’s teacher is the best person to contact to resolve concerns. Should a parent need to contact a teacher, please do so via phone or email.
There are times when our teachers make sincere efforts to contact parents, and the parents are not at home. If you do not hear from the teacher within 36 hours, please call the school office.
Instances where dissatisfaction
still remains, please contact the principal.
A conference with parents, teacher, principal and possibly the student
will be scheduled.
NEWSLETTER
A newsletter will be sent
home on Fridays with the oldest child in the family. Notices will be accepted for inclusion in the
newsletter. Articles must be sent to
school by
Organizations are asked
to cover the cost and handle the running off and counting their own copies
prior to distribution.
PARENTS OUT OF TOWN
Remember to inform us
when both parents are going to be out of town.
We must have correct information to release children to others and
provide emergency support if necessary.
SCHOOL QUESTIONS & CONCERNS
At times questions about
policies or happenings arise and cause concern to parents. Please call and leave a message for the
respective teacher to telephone you so that the incident does not build to a
problem. Please
give the teacher every
opportunity to address your concerns.
The principal is then available to address any concerns you still may
have.
WEB SITE – www.stclementschool.com
Upper grade level
students, with the assistance and under the guidance of specified teachers,
utilize our
web site to display work,
school activities and programs. Photos
may be included on our web site. At
times media avenues such as newspapers, television and radio choose to
highlight school events. Parents and
guardians will be given the option for their child/ren to opt out by not
signing our Media Release Form.
CURRICULUM / PROGRAM
GRADE LEVELS/CURRICULUM
Great care is given to the curriculum.
Teachers spend time adapting to the needs of student groups as they
transition from one grade level to the next. Faith development, leadership and
communication skills receive top priority at each level. The faculty reviews the curriculum guide
annually and makes adjustments as needed.
KINDERGARTEN:
Our Kindergarten program provides a systematic approach to teaching
basic religious, physical, social and intellectual skills at the pre-primary
level. This program emphasizes language
development, counting and measuring, music, art, social studies, science,
physical education and basic thinking and listening skills as well as presenting
the more traditional Kindergarten activities in new depth and variety. Kindergarten students receive instruction
from our Physical Education, Music, Art, and Spanish teachers.
PRIMARY 1 through GRADE 5:
These grade levels involve self-contained classroom teaching with the
exception of some subjects. Instruction
is provided in study skills, religion, art, music, physical education, Spanish
and all the basic academic areas. We
believe that at this age level, interaction with a relatively limited number of
teachers is most beneficial for the student.
GRADE 6:
As a bridge to junior high, the sixth grade students share equal time
with sixth grade teachers for religion, language arts, science and math. They have a separate teacher for social
studies, art, music, physical education, and Spanish. They also attend Explo
classes. (Exploration Class – “Explo” provides creative and interactive
learning opportunities that enhance our curriculum. ie. video production, web
club, current events, etc.
GRADES 7 & 8:
The departmental system followed in these grade levels enables students
to receive quality instruction in all the basic areas: Religion, reading/literature, English,
mathematics, geography/social studies, science, Spanish, art, music, physical
education and Explo. In practice it
means that a child, although assigned to a specific homeroom, will be taught by
several teachers in the course of the school day.
ART PROGRAM:
A full spectrum of art experiences is provided at Saint Clement
School. Our program meets all
recommendations of the National Art Education Association and the State of
CHASTITY PROGRAM:
(Formerly called Human Sexuality Program)
Policy #5103.17 of the Elementary Administrator’s Manual states that
parents are the primary educators of their children in human sexuality. The elementary school supports the parents in
this role by incorporating within
its regular religion curriculum a chastity education program approved
by the Archdiocese of St. Louis which emphasizes the moral teachings of the
Church.
MUSIC PROGRAM:
St. Clement School has a full-time music teacher. Students receive a comprehensive music
education in line with the National Standards.
The Silver Burdett and McGraw Hill music series are used.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM:
Saint Clement of
SPANISH PROGRAM:
Saint Clement offers a Spanish program for grades 1-5 twice a week and
grades K, 6-8 once a week. This course enriches the children in foreign
language study by developing speaking, writing, and listening skills. They will also learn and appreciate Hispanic
culture by studying special holidays, events and traditions.
FILMS
Movies and films are used to
enhance our curriculum. Only “G” rated
movies will be shown.
HOMEWORK
1.
Homework
assignments are valuable for student learning and mental discipline. The students usually have weekday
homework. This may be written or study
work. The approximate time that should
be devoted to homework is as follows:
Primary 1 and 2 15
to 20 minutes
Primary 3 30
to 45 minutes
Grade 4 45
to 60 minutes
Grades 5 and 6 60
to 75 minutes
Grades 7 and 8 75
to 90 minutes
2.
Parents should
provide the child with a suitable atmosphere in which to study. The child may be helped, but too much help
may destroy the spirit of independence which is necessary for a child’s
academic preparation.
3.
Parents should
realize that some students work more rapidly than others and may complete more
assignments in school.
4.
Assignments are
to be complete and handed in on time in order to receive full credit. Incomplete work and late assignments will
lower a student’s grade. Teachers may
specify the due date of missed assignments (usually within two days after
returning to school).
5.
The school
provides assignment notebooks for students in Grades 3-8. It is the student’s responsibility to write
their assignments in their assignment notebook.
Assignments for
grades 5-8 are posted on teachers’ homework pages.
HOMEWORK REQUEST FOR AN ABSENT STUDENT
Necessary textbooks and a
list of assignments will be placed on a table outside the health room at
ONLY when requested by
the parent of an absent child. This
request must be made between
SCHEDULES
Daily Schedule
KINDERGARTEN:
PRIMARY 1 THROUGH GRADE 8:
EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE
PRIMARY K THROUGH GRADE 8:
*
(*check monthly calendar for exact time or www.stclementschool.com)